Sciatica is a painful occurrence and can be treated. However, many people choose to continue living with this pain. Why? Perhaps, the expense of treatment may seem overwhelming. Or perhaps they are afraid to seek out the help of a chiropractor. Unfortunately, you do not know what you are missing if you decide to not seek out a chiropractor. They are the experts on spinal issues and adjustments. Their work has been groundbreaking and many other medical professionals are only now beginning to utilize the expertise that chiropractors have known about for years.

Sciatica is one of the more painful lower back issues. It produces radiating pain that the sufferers can feel all the way down their leg. It can cause numbness, and impact your ability to work or drive a car. The pain can be caused by a number of factors. One of the main issues it trauma to the lower back. Many people who have experienced a physical trauma from a sporting accident, car accident or perhaps physical abuse may suffer from sciatica.

In order for your chiropractor to diagnose sciatica, they first need to evaluate your medical history. They will ask about trauma, degenerative disease and other issues. It is important to always be honest at this point, so that your chiropractor can get an accurate diagnosis. In order to rule out sciatica, a chiropractor may refer you out to get an X-ray. In this case, they will have an even better look at what is going on in your lower back region.

What to Expect on Your First Visit to a Chiropractor

• Expect to fill out many forms, like at any doctors office
• Some chiropractors will have you watch an informational video
• The most important part of the video will inform you on what to expect with treatment
• The chiropractor will evaluate your spine by having you walk across the room, stand up tall and they may feel your spine
• They will never ask you to de-robe
• They will or may refer you to get an X-ray

Once you have gotten your first visit out the way, a chiropractor will then schedule you for your first treatment visit. This is the part will they will evaluate your X-ray with you and diagnose the problem. In most cases they will immediately begin manipulations. This is where many people can become a little anxious. Relax, it is relatively pain free and can actually relieve any of the pain you may have. The table that you are going to lay on, is specially made for spinal adjustments. It normally stands upright, and has a hole in the top in order to let your face hang through. Then as you are lowered down the adjustments will begin. In some cases you will feel some pressure, but there is not pain.

Other Types Of Treatment

• Exercises to strengthen your pelvic and abdominal muscles
• Yoga and other forms of stretching
• TENS unit, that delivers electric shocks to the sciatic nerve in your back

The forms of treatment for sciatica have been very successful. However, in most cases a chiropractor will not rely on a TENS unit unless all other treatment options have proven themselves unsuccessful. For those who are suffering from a great amount of pain, you may be prescribed a minimum of two weeks of bed rest. Those who have a degenerative disc disease, arthritis or spinal stenosis should be seeking chiropractic care and medical treatment from their physician.

Medical Treatment for Sciatica

• Some chiropractors may inject your spine with a cortisone in order to reduce inflammation to the area
• Painkillers

There are many anti-inflammatory drugs on the market. Most chiropractors will not suggest painkillers on the first treatment visit. In fact, they are reluctant to do so unless your medical condition is degenerative. In that case, many chiropractors in conjunction with your physician may suggest prescription drugs. Lower back pain is entirely treatable  so consider a chiropractic regime for your care.

Melissa Cameron, is a freelance writer, mother of two and happily married in Dallas, Texas. She works with the assistance of a chiropractor in Appleton tp write interesting health articles. This article was written by a guest author. Would you like to write for us?